meadow mushroom Agaricus campestris Kingdom: Fungi FEATURES Phylum: Basidiomycota The body of a fungus (mycelium) is made up of Class: Agaricomycetes strands called mycelia. The mycelium grows within Order: Agaricales the soil, a dead tree or other object and is rarely seen. The fruiting body that produces spores is Family: Agaricaceae generally present for only a short period of time but ILLINOIS STATUS is the most familiar part of the fungus to people. The meadow mushroom has a white or brown cap on a common, native short stalk. The cap is flat at maturity. It develops © James Veselenak small, fringy scales on the upper surface. The gills are not attached to the stalk. The stalk is short and cylindrical. Stalk color starts as white then changes to red-brown. The cap may be up to four inches wide, while the stalk may be two and one-half inches tall.

BEHAVIORS The meadow mushroom may be found statewide in Illinois. It grows in grassy areas. This species may appear singly, in groups or in a “fairy ring.” Unlike plants, fungi do not have roots, stems, leaves, flowers or seeds. The meadow mushroom must absorb nutrients and water from the objects it grows in. Spores are produced in summer and fall. The spores provide a means of reproduction, dispersal and survival in poor conditions. Spore production occurs when conditions are favorable, ILLINOIS RANGE generally with warm temperatures and ample moisture.

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Aquatic Habitats none

Woodland Habitats none

Prairie and Edge Habitats black soil prairie; dolomite prairie; edge; gravel prairie; hill prairie; sand prairie; shrub prairie

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources.